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Storefronts and urban evolution: Q&A with Shannon Clayton 

by Alessandro Tersigni

This week ERA is exploring the history and design of storefront architecture. To understand the origins, evolution, and future of this iconic feature of commercial buildings, ERA writer-researcher Alessandro Tersigni sat down with Shannon Clayton, the firm’s resident storefront expert. Shannon has worked on many conservation projects involving the design of new storefronts for commercial heritage buildings in Toronto, including...

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The community that could: The Storefront shares its story

by ERA Architects

...great community hub with a community garden and kitchen, a multiuse sports court, and a number of fantastic landscape features, including the “Sky-o-swale” green-roof pavilion. Having played a major role in numerous projects on site, ERA has enjoyed the chance to help build community by experimenting with public realm improvements in a non-development-driven scenario. This new document, “The Tower Community...

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Designed landscapes: Ground Magazine

by ERA Architects

Ground, the magazine of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), recently published a new article by ERA’s Michael McClelland entitled “Sites of Value: Designating Modern Cultural Landscapes in Ontario.” The article looks at Queen’s Park Complex, designed by Sasaki Strong Associates, as an early example of landscape conservation efforts in Canada. Using the Complex as a case study, the...

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The new Standard

by ERA Architects

...communities with different landowners, asking whether we can take down some fences, rezone for mixed use, introduce some modest demonstration projects regarding community development and building upgrade. Then we can make these new ideas viral, the new status quo. Over the long term, this can provide real opportunities for a more sustainable and livable city-region. These buildings aren´t going anywhere,...

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Toronto the Good 2010 _ Intinerary

by ERA Architects

  York Quay Centre at Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay West Follow the jump below for the full itinerary of the evening’s scheduled events. 6:00 to 10:00pm Ben McNally Books Spacing Magazine Toronto Society of Architects Free 6:00 to 10:00pm Toronto Society of Architects Poster Design Competition Exhibit Free 6:00 to 7:00pm Canapés provided by David Vallee Free 7:00 to...

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The Ward: A new book, UPDATE

by ERA Architects

...the finest contemporary Canadian writers with practitioners from digital media and other art forms. Tickets for the festival are available online through Eventbrite. May 7, 6:30pm – The festival begins with an Opening Pub Night celebrating contemporary cultural production. Location: CSI Annex 720 Bathurst St., Toronto. May 10, 7:00pm – 9:00pm – Hosted by Gerry Flahive, the closing panel of...

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Refreshing Allan Gardens

by ERA Architects

...struggled to maintain its identity and integrity within Toronto’s rapidly evolving downtown core. The diversity of its uses sets it apart within the City’s parks system, but also imposes competing demands on its aging infrastructure. The newly released Allan Gardens Refresh, produced by the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG) in collaboration with the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation...

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Port Union Community Build

by ERA Architects

...Ryan Giuricich, Mitchell May, Elijah Sabadlan, and Karl Sarkis to the Trinity Bay North communities of Catalina, Little Catalina, Melrose, and Port Union. The team proposed design interventions in all four communities, and succeeded in constructing a project to completion in Port Union. The Port Union design is known as Foundation Square, and is located at the central waterfront location...

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Architecture and value

by ERA Architects

...the range of what we think of as architecture, Michael’s talk asks, What should architects do? According to him, they shouldn’t only make buildings, but conduct research, engage the public, study the world, respond to changing values, and… throw parties. To read Spacing Ottawa’s review of the talk, see Spacing online. Or, watch the video of the slide presentation below:...

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Jane Jacobs Prize to Graeme Stewart & Sabina Ali

by ERA Architects

...street in “Apartment Neighbouhoods.” It will open up important possibilities for community initiatives and small businesses. To attend a public consultation, please see our recent blog post for dates and times. The 2014 Jane Jacobs Prize was announced Tuesday March 25th on CBC Metro Morning. To hear the interview, go to Metro Morning online. The prize will be officially awarded...

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University of Toronto’s Landscape of Landmark Quality Design Competition

by ERA Architects

...29th to October 2nd, where computer terminals were provided so that viewers could easily provide feedback. If you are interested in providing your comments, the University of Toronto has created an online survey. The Evaluation Committee will then summarize public input and take it into consideration during the finalist selection process. The four proposed projects. The four teams. Photos from...

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Heritage Masonry with Dr. Gerard Lynch, May 13 to 22

by ERA Architects

...brickwork, and all manner of detail in the mason’s art. Update: We will also be joined May 20 to 22 by master mason Terry Mullarkey of J. Mullarkey & Sons Stonemasons, one of the top marble and stone masonry restoration companies in the world. These courses combine theoretical and hands-on demonstration, revealing the fascinating intricacy of brick construction past and...

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